If both the presidential and the parliamentary elections go against Erdogan, Turkey's politics, and possibly the country, could undergo significant change.

With 98 percent of votes counted, Erdogan secured 52.5 percent on Sunday, according to results released by state-run Anadolu Agency.

In a first for the nation, President Erdogan has won sole power of Turkey after beating leading opponent Muharram Ince to the top after a referendum past year saw Turkey vote in favour of scrapping their prime minister role.

Election observers and party members should not "abandon the ballot boxes", he said.

He added that the alliance led by the AKP had won the majority in parliament.

"Starting tomorrow, we will start working to realize the promises we made our people", Erdogan told flag-waving supporters in a victory speech delivered from the balcony of his ruling AK Party's headquarters in Ankara shortly after 3 a.m.

Voting already closed last week for Turkish citizens resident overseas, with just under 1.5 million out of just over 3 million registered voters casting their ballot, a turnout of just under 49 percent.

Erdogan has dominated Turkish politics for more than 15 years, first as prime minister and since 2014 as president.

"We urge the authorities to take action against the collective and open stuffing of ballot boxes", the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) said on Twitter.

As of 15:50 GMT, Erdogan is leading in the polls with almost 60 percent of the vote after 20 percent of the ballot boxes were opened.

The CHP said it had recorded violations in particular in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa.

Also challenging Erdogan is 61-year-old former Interior Minister Meral Aksener, the only female presidential candidate in the race. Managing to get into parliament would be a significant for HDP, since nine of its lawmakers, including Demirtas, and thousands of party members were jailed during the campaign.

A woman votes at a polling station in a school during elections in Istanbul, Turkey, June 24, 2018.

"With the presidential system, Turkey is seriously raising the bar, rising above the level of contemporary civilisations". Erdogan called the election more than a year early in what analysts say was a pre-emptive move ahead of a possible economic downturn.

Opposition officials cried foul as soon as results began coming in, with the state-run Anadolu Agency announcing preliminary results more than two hours earlier than expected and opening with a massive lead for President Erdoğan and his party's alliance in parliament.

These elections were originally scheduled for November 2019 but were brought forward by Mr Erdogan.

RELATED NEWS

Juncker to visit Dublin amid Irish border differences…
The future of the Irish border after Brexit is one of the most vexed outstanding issues facing negotiators in Brussels. Mr Juncker will be accompanied by European Union agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan and Mr Barnier. 6/25/2018

Melania Trump sends a questionable message en route to the border
Critics said the slogan on her coat was insensitive given recent uproar about family separation at the southern border of the US. The youthful jacket sharply contrasts with the first lady's typically bold, foreign-flavored and higher-priced wardrobe . 6/25/2018

Colombia win 3-0 to knock Poland out of World Cup
Poland played well for 15 minutes but then faded. "The Colombian team was a much better team", Poland coach Adam Nawalka said. Poland has now failed to keep a clean sheet in its last 10 World Cup matches, since beating Portugal 1-0 in 1986. 6/25/2018

Trump wants those who 'invade' sent right back
Trump said in the Cabinet Room during an hourlong meeting that reporters were allowed to document. In most cases, they are allowed a full hearing before an immigration judge before being deported. 6/25/2018

Tite takes a tumble celebrating Brazil goal at World Cup
Marcelo's deep cross was kept alive by Roberto Firmino and a loose touch by Jesus dribbled perfectly into Coutinho's path. Once again, he just waved them away. "We need a similar defensive performance with greater effectiveness up front". 6/25/2018

Djokovic ends 12-month drought to reach Queen's showpiece
He has a 14-1 winning record over Cilic but might be second-favourite on Sunday with the Croatian in superb form. The match did not have a happy ending, with the world No.21 losing 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) to No.1 seed Cilic. 6/24/2018

Italy says Malta not taking in migrant ship is 'inhumane'
An SWG poll this week showed two-thirds of Italians agree humanitarian boats should not be allowed in the country's ports. Salvini has likened such rescue ships to taxi services that finish the job for migrant smugglers. 6/24/2018

England march into last 16 after thrashing Panama 6-1
They were minutes away from that being 12 out of 29 against Poland , and again the 9/1 for a 2-0 win here looks overpriced. Japan and Senegal each got off to winning starts in Group H , securing victories over Colombia and Poland respectively. 6/24/2018

Hazard sustains calf injury with Belgium
Roberto Martínez said Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens were also hurt, picking up calf and ankle injuries respectively. Belgium plays its final Group G match against England at 2pm on Thursday at Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad. 6/24/2018